Number 5(12), 2017

Objective: To determine the levels of six heavy metals in the liver and edible tissues of
different sizes of Drepane longimana collected at Karachi fish harbor of Pakistan during
fisheries seasons in 2016.
Methods: The concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead
(Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS,
Aanalyst 700).
Results: In muscle and liver tissues, Fe is detected in highest concentrations, followed by Zn,
Cu, Mn, Cd and Pb. Concentrations of Cd and Pb of some individuals were not detected in the
edible tissues. Large differences in these metal concentrations were observed between different
tissues within each size of fish except Mn in 24–28 cm sizes. The liver of Drepane longimana
accumulates significant higher levels of metals than those in the edible tissues.
Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, the bioaccumulation of metals in the muscles
of concertina fish did not exceed the permissible limits set for heavy metals by European
Commission Regulation, Food and Agriculture Organization and Turkish Food Codex. It could
be concluded that there is no risk in consumption of Concertina fish from Karachi fish harbor
of Pakistan in 2016.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the anaesthetic agents 2-phenoxyethanol, MS-
222, clove oil and metomidate in attenuating acute handling stress in juvenile specimens of
Solea senegalensis subjected to two routine stressful events specific to aquaculture and/or fish
research.
Methods: The stress-preventing effects of four anaesthetic agents (2-phenoxyethanol, 600
mg/L; metomidate, 5 mg/L; clove oil, 30 mg/L and MS-222, 75 mg/L) were evaluated in
juvenile specimens of Senegalase sole (Solea senegalensis) subjected to two different types
of acute (handling-related) stress: air exposure and net handling (chasing). To assess the
stress-preventing effects of the four anaesthetic agents, diverse blood and plasma parameters
(haematocrit, haemoglobin, glucose, lactate and cortisol levels) were determined as stress
indicators. Fish were treated with the anaesthetic agents before being subjected to the different
types of acute stress, and they were sacrificed 30 min, 2 and 24 h later. Control fish were
processed in the same way without pretreatment with the anaesthetic agents.
Results: The net handling stress was of sufficient intensity to cause a significant increase in the
levels of most of the stress indicators considered. By contrast, air exposure stress only induced
significant increases in cortisol and haemoglobin levels.
Conclusions: The stress-preventing effects of the anaesthetic agents tested were ranked on the
basis of their capacity to prevent increases in the haematocrit, haemoglobin, glucose, lactate
and cortisol levels, as follows: metomidate (5 mg/L) > clove oil (30 mg/L) > MS-222 (75 mg/L)
> 2-phenoxyethanol (600 mg/L).

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle)
as dietary supplements on serum biochemistry and some metabolites (urea and creatinine) in
Clarias gariepinus (C. gariepinus).
Methods: A total of 150 C. gariepinus juveniles [initial weight (35.41 ± 1.53) g] were
randomly assigned to five test diets. Ginger and roselle were added to diets as additives at 2 g
and 4 g respectively while control diet contained none of the substances. Blood samples were
collected from treatment groups for biochemical analysis after 70 days feeding trial.
Results: Significant changes (P < 0.05) were observed in serum enzymes (alkaline
phosphatase, alanine amino transferase and aspartate amino transferase) activities. Significant
increase (P < 0.05) in serum total protein was noticed in treated fish when compared to control.
Relative changes in urea and creatinine levels were observed in fish fed with roselle based diets
while insignificant changes (P > 0.05) were seen in ginger treated fish.
Conclusions: The present study revealed that ginger and roselle added to the diets as additives
had no adverse effect on the examined serum biochemistry in C. gariepinus.

Objective: To study the anti-diabetic activity of marine macroalgae extracts (n = 31),
purification and characterization of sulphated galactopyran (SGP) from Gracilaria opuntia
(FM4) in diabetic rats.
Methods: The animals were separated into groups and STZ (55 mg/kg body weight) was used
to induce diabetics. Glucose, HbA1c, insulin, C-peptide levels and in vivo antioxidant levels
were estimated and histopathological studies were done in STZ-induced diabetic and marine
macroalgae treated rats.
Results: Based on glucose and HbA1c levels and in vivo antioxidant levels, among the 31
marine macroalgae extracts, FM4 has showed high anti-diabetic activity. Hence, FM4 was
purified and characterized by 1H-NMR spectra and FT-IR as sulphated galactopyran. During
the survival analysis, SGP at dose of 100 mg/kg showed significant (P < 0.05) survival rate
and elevations in C-peptide and insulin levels. The histopathological modulations of SGP were
observed in diabetic rat tissues such as liver, kidney and brain. Hence obtained results reveal
that SGP treated diabetic rats has significant changes in C-peptide and insulin levels which
regulates the blood glucose levels and recovered the histopathological changes.
Conclusions: Marine macroalgae have significant anti-diabetic activity. Hence, they could be
used as nutraceutical supplement or natural green remedy against diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To investigate the anticancer activity of two diterpenes [palmonine F (C1) and
palmonine D (C2)] and three steroids [cholesta-5,22-dien-3β-ol (C3), stigmasterol (C4) and
5α-cholest-5-en-3β-ol (C5)], isolated from the Mediterranean gorgonian Eunicella singularis,
against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.
Methods: This study was performed on standard monolayer two-dimensional (2D) model to
evaluate apoptosis by means of AnnexinV-FITC/PI flow cytometry and on three-dimensional
(3D) spheroid model using Celigo imaging cytometer for spheroids size analysis.
Results: Results indicated that both diterpenes and steroids exhibited an important apoptotic
activity in a concentration-dependent manner with EC50 values of 13, 49, 30, 66 and 65 μg/
mL for C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5, respectively. Treatment of MCF-7 3D cell model with C1–C5
induced growth regression of spheroids in a concentration-dependent manner similar to the
clinical anti-breast cancer drug Taxol; over ten days of incubation, growth rates were < 1.5 at
Day 10 with all tested compounds at 200 μg/mL.
Conclusions: The present study indicates that the two diterpenes C1 and C2 and the three
steroids C3, C4 and C5, isolated from Eunicella singularis, might be used as anti-breast cancer
candidate drugs for further development.

Objective: To investigate the potential adverse effects of imidacloprid on biochemical
parameters, oxidative stress and liver damage induced in the rat by oral sub-chronic
imidaclopride exposure.
Methods: Rats received three different doses of imidacloprid (1/45, 1/22 and 1/10 of LD50)
given through gavage for 60 days. Two dozen of male Wistar rats were randomly divided
into four experimental groups. Liver damage was determined by measuring aspartate
aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase
leakages. The prooxidant-antioxydant status in hepatic tissue homogenate was evaluated by
measuring the degree of lipid peroxidation, the antioxidant enzymes activities such as catalase,
superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).
Results: The relative liver weight was significantly higher than that of control and other
treated groups at the highest dose 1/10 of LD50 of imidacloprid. Additionally, treatment of
rats with imidacloprid significantly increased liver lipid peroxidation (P ≤ 0.05 or 0.01)
which went together with a significant decrease in the levels of superoxide dismutase and
catalase activities. Parallel to these changes, imidacloprid treatment enhanced liver damage as
evidence by sharp increase in the liver enzyme activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine
aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase. These results were also
confirmed by histopathology.
Conclusions: In light of the available data, it is our thought that after imidacloprid sub-chronic
exposure, depletion of antioxidant enzymes is accompanied by induction of potential oxidative
stress in the hepatic tissues that might affect the function of the liver which caused biochemical
and histopathological alteration.

Objective: To compare changes in some haematological parameters among malaria
positive and negative subjects in a malaria endemic community, Southeastern Nigeria.
Methods: Haematological parameters of 443 subjects including 234 confirmed
malaria infected and 209 non-malaria infected patients who attended various hospitals
in selected communities of Ezinihite L.G.A, Southeastern Nigeria between January
and June 2014 were evaluated.
Results: Total white blood count and two of its differentials (lymphocytes and
granulocytes), red blood cell and platelet counts were significantly lower among
malaria-infected subjects compared to the non-infected subjects (P < 0.05)
Conclusions: Haematological parameters of malaria infected subjects were
significantly lower than that of uninfected individuals. This present research adds to
the fact that haematological parameters is a good and reliable indicator for the early
and prompt diagnosis of malaria in patients.

A 12-year-old cat, weighting 7.4 kg, suffering from fatigue, exercise intolerance, polyphagia,
polyuria and polydipsia was presented. Obesity, a massive head, inferior prognathia and
widened inter-dental spaces were noted on examination. Radiographic surveys showed organs
enlargement. Labaratory results revealed hyperglycemia and glycosuria. Based on fasting
hyperglycemia, concurrent hyperglycemia and glycosuria, diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was
made. However, according to the poor diabetic regulation, clinical signs and the absence of
other diseases, a tentative diagnosis of acromegaly was confirmed by increased plasma levels
of growth hormone. Managing diabetes mellitus with increasing doses of insulin was the only
possible therapeutic strategy.

Intussusception due to linear foreign body obstruction was described in this clinical report in
a dog presented with a history of lethargy, anorexia, vomiting and abdominal pain. Diagnosis
of intussusception was confirmed by contrast radiography. Manual reduction of jejuno-jejunal
intussusception and removal of thread were done in laparotomy. No other complications were
identified during the 4-month postoperative period in this case.

The study on trematode larvae found in Egyptian molluscs was initiated by the pioneering
work of Sonsino in 1892 and Looss in 1896. Since then tens of cercariae and some digenean
life cycles have been reported in the country. Unfortunately, only fragmentary publications
are available for identification of cercariae present in the country. In addition, some of such
publications may not be accessible to some researchers, as they are either theses or published
in old volumes of non-international journals. The present work was carried out with the aim
of preserving our heritage through reviewing the different types of cercariae known from
the Egyptian inland water snails. We provide a survey based on literature. Major types of
cercariae known to exist in the country are covered. They are presented as regards description,
development, taxa, importance and snail hosts. This review can be used as a field guide for
identification of cercariae colonising the Egyptian inland water snails.

Objective: To present venomous and poisonous fish species in the Paraiba Estuary, Paraiba
State, Brazil, with a description of the envenomation mechanisms and characteristics of the
toxins.
Methods: Fishes were caught by beach seine in the dry and rainy season (November 2013 and
June 2014) and bimonthly between May 2016 and March 2017.
Results: Eight potentially dangerous species belonging to the families Batrachoididae, Ariidae
and Tetraodontidae were identified. The representatives of the former two families, toadfish
and catfish, respectively had specific venom inoculating apparatuses that could penetrate
tissues, releasing toxins that caused injuries mainly to fishermen. The family Tetraodontidae
had poisonous species, once the pufferfish could accumulate biotoxins (especially tetrodotoxin,
which is a neurotoxin produced by bacteria). Despite being toxic for consumption, these fish
were often consumed by fishermen and their families.
Conclusions: The present study is the first record of venomous and poisonous species in
the Paraiba Estuary and contributes to the knowledge of the identification of the species
and the mechanisms that cause severe envenomation and even deaths in artisanal fishing
communities. Such knowledge is fundamental to future campaigns aimed at the prevention of
injuries involving fish in the region and in other estuarine environments, where such fishes are
common.

Objective: To investigate the chitin yield of two commercial crustacean species that are
exploited in the Suez Canal region, the Red Sea crab Charybdis natator (C. natator) and the
Mediterranean mantis shrimp Erugosquilla massavensis (E. massavensis), and to assess the
effect of some biological factors such as sex, size and maturity stages of females' ovaries on
this yield.
Methods: A total of 64 specimens of crabs were collected from the Red Sea and 1 377
mantis shrimps were collected from the Mediterranean Sea. Chitin was obtained after the deproteinization, de-mineralization and de-colorization of 5 g oven dried exoskeletons and values
were expressed as g/5 g and percentages.
Results: Chitin yield was significantly higher in E. massavensis than C. natator (22.1%,
14.22%, respectively). No significant difference in the yield was recorded between males and
females of C. natator (12.9%, 14.9%, respectively), while the yield in E. massavensis males
was significantly higher than females (25.3%, 21.2%, respectively). Significant variations in
the chitin yield were observed between the different sizes of E. massavensis with the maximum
being from the individuals falling in the size range 90–130 mm body length. The yield was at
its lowest in the immature stage of C. natator females' ovaries (9.29%). However, the values
increased and remained constant for the remaining stages (≥ 18%).
Conclusions: The study recommends the use of the mantis shrimp for the production of chitin
on commercial scale particularly medium sized males.

Objective: To assess water quality and diversity of aquatic insects relative to effluents
discharge from resort centres in Ethiope River.
Methods: Water samples collected from three study stations were analyzed using APHA
methods while the kick sampling techniques were used for collection of aquatic insects. The
obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis at significance level of 0.05.
Results: Among the study stations, water temperature varied from 20 °C to 34 °C with a mean
temperature of (26.17 ± 2.37) °C, while pH was recorded from 5.57 ± 0.18 to 5.94 ± 0.21.
Statistically, water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and conductivity were significantly
different (P < 0.05) among months. A total of 14 taxa comprising 300 individuals belonging
to orders of Odonata, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Plecoptera, Ephemeroptera and Diptera were
recorded. There was significant difference in the overall insect diversity among the stations.
Ephemeroptera was the largest and the most dominant order having 55.33% species, followed
by the Odonata (15.33%), Coleoptera (9.67%) and Diptera (9.67%), Hemiptera (7%) and
Plecoptera (3%). Shannon–Wiener and Evenness index were not significant (P > 0.05) in the
stations.
Conclusions: Significant relationships were recorded between water quality parameters and
occurrence of Neoperla spio, Caenis horaria, Baetis and Chironomus species. The observed
changes in aquatic insect composition were principally due to alteration in water quality. The
weak correlation between aquatic insects and water quality can be attributed to functional
adaptations to environmental changes. Aquatic insects have been proved to be good bioindicator of pollution and long-term monitoring of the aquatic insects is necessary for water
quality evaluation in Ethiope River.

Objective: To investigate the biodegradation of high density polyethylene (HDPE) by
Streptomyces species isolated from the soil of East Azerbaijan, Iran.
Methods: Powders of HDPE samples were prepared by grinding in different particle sizes of
212, 300, 420, and 500 microns. Each time 50 mg of a sample was poured to a liquid medium
containing species. Samples were incubated for 18 days at 28 °C in a shaker-incubator and their
degradation percentage was measured by weighting method. Produced metabolite at 18th day
was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Also a film of HDPE was subjected
to biodegradation and after one month was analyzed by scanning electron microscope which
showed degradation on the surface of the film.
Results: The results showed that Streptomyces species degraded 50 mg of HDPE sample with
the size of 212 μm about 18.26%, 300 and 420 μm about 14.4%, and 500 μm about 13%.
Kinetic modeling of biodegradation process showed that the reaction rate was first order with
respect to concentration of HDPE. Based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results, no
high toxic material was produced during biodegradation of HDPE.
Conclusions: The research showed that isolated Streptomyces sp. are capable of degradation of
HDPE polymer with high degradation efficiency.

Objective: To investigate phytochemical constituents, antibacterial and antioxidant activity of
the root extracts of Carduus macracanthus (C. macracanthus).
Methods: Phytochemical screening tests were conducted as per of the standard procedure to
identify the classes of compounds present in the root extract of C. macracanthus. Silica gel
column chromatographic technique was applied to separate the constituents from chloroform/
methanol (1:1) root extracts. Various spectroscopic techniques were applied to determine
the structure of the isolated compound. In vtiro antibacterial activities of crude extracts were
evaluated via disc diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bacterial
concentration were determined by broth dilution method. Moreover, antioxidant activities of
extracts were determined by DPPH assay, the phosphomolybdenum method and total flavonoid
contents were determined as per of the standard procedures.
Results: Phytochemical screening of root extracts of C. macracanthus revealed the presence
alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, tannins and steroids. Silica gel column chromatography
separation of root extract using chloroform/methanol (1:1 ratio) yielded a known plant steroid
stigmasterol. The result revealed that methanol extract had the greatest DPPH scavenging (IC50
= 97.50 ± 4.38 μg/mL) and total antioxidant (1.92 ± 0.24 mg AAE/g of dried extract) activities.
Chloroform/methanol (1:1), and methanol extracts showed that growth suppression of Bacillus
cereus and Staphylococcus aureus at a concentration above 25 mg/mL, and minimum inhibitory
concentration was found to be 25 mg/mL. Methanol extract showed growth suppression against
Escherichia coli at a concentration of 50 mg/mL. The antibacterial activities of the extracts
were compared with a commercially available antibiotic (chloramphenicol) and showed
moderate antibacterial activities, with inhibition zones ranging between 18–28 mm. However,
the extracts had no antibacterial effects on Salmonella typhi.
Conclusions: The present study found that polar extracts of the root of C. macracanthus
possessed antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

Objective: To investigate the effect of fosbac on some blood biochemical variables in broilers.
Methods: Fosbac with the dose of 160 and 320 mg/kg was added to drinking water of poultry
for 5 days. For each dose, a separate control group was considered. Blood samples were
collected 1 day post treatment (four groups of eight 20-day-old broilers) in the first experiment,
and after 7 days post treatment (another four groups of eight 20-day-old broilers) in the second
experiment. The serum aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase
activity, uric acid, creatinine and urea concentrations were measured using routine laboratory
methods.
Results: The results of this study showed that oral fosbac caused no significant effect on
important liver and kidney function parameters.
Conclusions: It can be concluded that this antibiotic can be used safely in broilers.

Objective: To rationalize the folkloric use of hypoglycemic, antinociceptive and antioxidant
potentials with phytochemical screening of methanolic bark extract of Crataeva nurvala (C.
nurvala) in vivo and in vitro.
Methods: The collected bark was dried and grinded. The coarse powder was soaked in
2 000 mL of 90% methanol for several days then filtrated. At 40 °C the volume of crude
methanolic extract (CME) was reduced by a vacuum rotary evaporator, then the aqueous
methanol extract was separated into petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride, and aqueous soluble
fractions by Kupchan protocol. Then the extracts were subjected to evaluate in vivo analgesic,
hypoglycemic activities in Swiss albino mice model and antioxidant in vitro.
Results: In quantitative phytochemical analysis, total phenolic content was found maximum
(235.94 mg of GAE/g) in aqueous soluble fraction; in case of antioxidant potentials, DPPH
free radical scavenging assay showed IC50 value of 9.25 μg/mL exhibited by aqueous soluble
fraction in comparison to ascorbic acid (8.27 μg/mL) as a reference standard. The CMEs
potentially (P < 0.05) reduced the acetic acid-induced writhing and increased (P < 0.05; P
< 0.01) latency period in the tail immersion method at a dose dependent manner. The CME
significantly reduced blood sugar level of diabetic rat induced by alloxan monohydrate.
Conclusions: This study was conducted to validate the extensive use of C. nurvala bark as folk
medicine with antinociceptive, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects. It can be concluded that
the bark of C. nurvala possesses good antinociceptive, moderate hypoglycemic and antioxidant
activities. However, further chemical and pharmacological revise are needed to elucidate the
detail mode of action behind this and identify the responsible active principles.

Objective: To explore the antibacterial activity of Elaeocarpus floribundus fruits aqueous
extracts against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clinical isolates.
Methods: The fresh olive fruits were collected, dried and milled in order to prepare aqueous
extracts of olive seed and olive mesocarp-epicarp. The extracts were tested against clinical
isolates of MRSA by agar well diffusion method, and the diameter of inhibition zone was
recorded, and antibacterial capacity of the extracts (AU/mL) was determined.
Results: The MRSA isolates were sensitive to aqueous extract of olive mesocarp-epicarp with
diameter of inhibition zone ranging from (11.670 ± 0.577) to (15.330 ± 0.577) mm; the olive
aqueous seed extract had no anti-MRSA activity. The antibacterial capacity of the extracts
against the tested MRSA isolates ranged from 733.33 to 800 AU/mL.
Conclusions: The olive fruits can be used as a new source of plant based non-antibiotic
biotherapeutic agents for the treatment of MRSA infection.

Number 5(10), 2017

Objective: To perform a survey of parasites of two fish species [Tilapia zillii (T. zillii) and
Clarias gariepinus (C. gariepinus)] to assess the prevalence and composition of parasites in
Ase River catchment, Delta State, Nigeria.
Methods: Fish samples were collected from three sampling stations and examined for ectoand endoparasite. Of 180 specimens examined, 60 were from each station comprising 30 C.
gariepinus and 30 T. zillii.
Results: Station 1 had the highest percentage abundance followed by stations 3 and 2, each
with a value of 40.86%, 33.33% and 25.81%, respectively. Ninety (90) specimens composed
of 47 males (26.11%) and 43 females (23.89%) were infected. Of these, 21 (23.33%) were
male in T. zillii while 25 (27.78%) were female. Male C. gariepinus were more infected
than the female with a prevalence of 28.88% and 20.00%, respectively. A total of 8 parasites
belonging to 4 taxonomic groups were identified. They include the protozoa represented by
Trichodina acuta 29 (31.18%), Epistylis spp. 11 (11.83%), Chilodonella spp. 8 (8.60%), and
Ichthyophthirius multifiliis 2 (2.15%); Nematode: Camallanus polypteri 38 (40.86%) and
Procamallanus spiralis 2 (2.15%); Trematode: Euclinostomum heterostomum 1 (1.07%) and
lastly the acanthocepalan represented by Acanthogyrus tilapiae 2 (2.15%). Total prevalence of
infection was 50.0% for both species, with an overall prevalence of 51.11% (46) in T. zillii and
48.89% (44) in C. gariepinus. ANOVA showed that there was a statistical significant difference
(P < 0.05) in the infection in the three stations. However student t-test showed no significant
difference between sexes of both species.
Conclusions: The prevalence of parasites recovered from the two fish species in this study is
high. It is therefore recommended that the riparian communities along the river course should
desist from activities likely to increase parasite load with restriction of cattle alongside egrets
which are the definitive host of Euclinostomum heterostomum.

Objective: To investigate the effect of copper on Crangon crangon (Linnaeus, 1758) (C.
crangon) and Syngnathus acus (Linnaeus, 1758) (S. acus) from Black Sea.
Methods: The acute toxicity of copper in water with clean sediment to C. crangon and S. acus
from Sinop Peninsula of the Black Sea was evaluated by static 10-day and 21-day bioassays.
Results: Mortality of both organisms increased with increase in concentrations of copper. The
results showed that S. acus was more sensitive to copper than C. crangon.
Conclusions: In the present study, both C. crangon and S. acus have been shown to be a
suitable test species to assess heavy metal toxicity using static 21-day and 10-day bioassays.

Objective: To assess the quality of water using biological and chemical information correlation
study.
Methods: A total of 6 sites, one reference site less impaired to represent natural conditions
from upstream, and 5 impaired sites in the downstream were sampled for macroinvertebrates
and physicochemical parameters.
Results: In the polluted sites with high nutrient enrichment and organic loading, only organisms
with special physiological and morphological adaptations were found, such as Hydrobiidae,
Physidae and Viviparidae snails. Physicochemical parameters: electrical conductivity, chemical
oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, sulphate, orthophosphate and nitrate-nitrogen and
metrics: percent of Mollusca, percent of Physidae and percent of dominant taxa were used for
monitoring, and expected to have strong positive relation with increasing disturbance.
Conclusions: Therefore, floriculture industries wastewater discharged to the nearby rivers has
enormous effect on the degradation of the ecosystem. To sustain the ecological conditions
of the nearby rivers, wastewater treatment and environmental audit were suggested.
Environmental assessment and environmental audit enable the floriculturist to keep humans
and the environment safe. Taking care of workers, soil, water and the environment has to be
seen with great care and caution because it is difficult to maintain a healthy community and
carry out development in a degraded environment.

Objective: To investigate the alteration of biochemical parameters during Plasmodium berghei
ANKA (P. berghei ANKA) infection in mice.
Methods: Male BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with 1 × 107 parasitized
erythrocytes of P. berghei ANKA. Parasitemia was daily monitored by microscopy of Giemsa
stained thin blood smear. Additionally, packed cell volume (PCV) and biochemical parameters
including glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST),
alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, and bilirubin levels
were also measured using Cobas 111 automate analyzer.
Results: Parasitemia was increased during P. berghei ANKA infection until the infected
mice died within 2 weeks, and early and late infections were separated by Days 4 and 10,
respectively. At early infection, it was found that hemolysis occurred as indicated by markedly
decreased PCV. Hypoglycemia and acute kidney injury were also developed at the early
infection as indicated by decrease in blood glucose and increase in BUN and creatinine levels.
Moreover, the loss of liver function was observed at the late infection as indicated by markedly
increased enzyme activities of AST, ALT, and ALP, and decreased albumin level. Additionally,
bilirubin level was also increased.
Conclusions: The finding reveals the pathological condition during P. berghei ANKA infection
in mice. The hemolysis and acute kidney injury were developed at the early infection, and loss
of liver function then occurred at the late infection. Hence, the prevention of these pathological
conditions during malaria infection is urgently needed.

Objective: To investigate anxiolytic and hypoglycemic activity of Ixora cuneifolia (Family:
Rubiaceae) in an experimental animal model.
Methods: Anxiolytic test was performed by elevated plus maze (EPM) and hole-board
method. Hypoglycemic activity was measured in glucose-loaded Swiss albino mice by glucose
tolerance test.
Results: The methanol extract of Ixora cuneifolia exhibited dose-dependent and statistically
significant (P < 0.05) anxiolytic activity at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Reduction of glucose
level was observed with the highest dose 400 mg/kg of the extract in glucose tolerance test.
Conclusions: The better anxiolytic and hypoglycemic activities in the present study could
be due to the presence of different chemical constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, saponin,
phenols and tannins in this methanolic extract.

Curcumin, a polyphenol (diferuloylmethane), is a derivative obtained from the Curcuma
longa. It has many beneficial functions, including pain-killing, activity against reactive oxygen
species, preventing inflammation and antibacterial activities, for which it has been used for
centuries in Ayurvedic medication. The mechanisms showing curcumin activity involve a
grouping of signaling pathways in the cell at multiple stages. Recently, the anticancer effects
of curcumin were studied on different pathways, including the gene expression for cancer,
its spread, the regulation of cell cycle, programmed cell death, and tumor expression. All
these studies suggest enormous potential of curcumin in cancer therapy. It has many more
potential benefits against cardiovascular diseases, reactive oxygen species, bacteria and fungi.
The present review provides a brief description of the studies conducted and the information
supportive to pharmaceutical activities of curcumin. It also considers anticancer applications
and clinical benefits of nano-formulations of curcumin.

Objective: To evaluate the suitability of Palaemon adspersus (P. adspersus) as a bio-indicator
for 4 and 10 days of cadmium toxicity bioassays.
Methods: Four and ten days experiments were designed. CdCl2·2½H2O was dissolved in
distilled water and a stock solution was made. At 4-day bioassay, the larvae of Baltic prawns
were exposed to nominal concentrations of 0, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 mg/L of Cd
for 4 days. The 4-day LC50 was calculated by the probit analysis. At 10-day bioassay, the
concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 mg/L were introduced into each of the
jars in triplicate treatments and 0 mg/L as control. Each tank containing 20 larvae was exposed
to test solutions.
Results: Results from probit analysis showed that the 96-h LC50 value was 0.14 mg/L for Cd.
The 10 days bioassays were conducted with nominal concentrations of 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0,
5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 mg/L Cd. Mortality increased in parallel with the increase in concentrations
of Cd on Zoea – I stage of P. adspersus and time of exposure. The toxicity rate of the organism
is concentration-dependent. All organisms except the control group died at the end of 10 days.
Less than 25% of the animals survived at the 5 days of the exposure to concentrations of
0.5 mg/kg Cd or more. Only 20% of the organisms survived at the 7 days of the exposure to
concentrations of 0.1 mg/kg Cd or less in seawater with clean sediment.
Conclusions: The results showed that Cd was highly toxic to P. adspersus. When the larvae
were exposed to concentrations of Cd, they become slightly excited and swam erratically,
probably due to stress. However, behavioural and swimming patterns in control groups were
normal, and there was not any mortality during the course of the experiment.

Objective: To evaluate the composition of population and abundance of green tiger shrimp
Penaeus semisulcatus (P. semisulcatus) in relation to presence of main groups of pathogenic
bacteria isolated from tissues of different stages of shrimps in Al-Faw City, Basrah, Iraq.
Methods: The specimens of shrimp P. semisulcatus were collected from December 2016
to February 2017 by commercial trawl net. Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from muscle
tissues of P. semisulcatus. Microbial species were characterized based on morphological and
biochemical tests.
Results: Monthly changes in the composition of population of P. semisulcatus during three
months of the present study were observed; the highest abundance of males and females was
recorded in February 2017. The sex ratio indicated a preponderance of females over males in
study area. The average total numbers of isolated bacteria were 14.31 × 103
CFU/100 mL from
shrimp in young and larval stages, while from adult shrimps average total number of bacteria
was 18.46 × 102
CFU/100 mL. Pathogenic bacteria isolated presumably belonged to three
species, namely, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Conclusions: The current study showed that the total bacteria number in young and larvae
specimens of P. semisulcatus was greater than that in adult specimens, and exceeded the
allowed maximum bacteria number.

Objective: To determine the toxicity of Sapium ellipticum (S. ellipticum) ethanol leaf extract in
animal model.
Methods: Three groups (I, II and III, n = 10) of Wistar rats were respectively given 0.5 mL corn
oil, 400 and 800 mg/kg BW of S. ellipticum extract, twice daily, for a period of 14 days. Lethal
dose (LD50) was determined and morbidity was assessed via repeated dose administration of
the extract.
Results: S. ellipticum at the doses employed did not cause any significant changes in the
serum concentrations of ALT, AST and ALP compared to the control group. The level of total
serum cholesterol was significantly (P ˂ 0.05) and dose-dependently reduced in the extract-
treated animals by 13.5% and 16.0% compared to the control animals. Total plasma protein
concentration and body weight were respectively increased by 8.7% and 13.7% at 800 mg/
kg BW of the extract. The intraperitoneal (i.p.) and intramuscular (i.m.) LD50 values of S.
ellipticum leaf extract were determined as 979.80 and 1 341.60 mg/kg BW respectively while
the oral (p.o.) LD50 was estimated to be greater than 45 000 mg/kg BW.
Conclusions: The observations noted in this study apparently validate the use of S. ellipticum
ethanol leaf extract in folklore medicine in terms of herbal safety.

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial effect of Cyperus species as an important medicine
plant in the study area.
Methods: The agar disk diffusion method was used to study the antibacterial activity of
Cyperus extracts against 2 Gram-positive and 4 Gram-negative bacteria at concentration 400
and 600 mg/mL of methanol and the aqueous extract. Then minimum inhibitory concentrations
and minimum bactericidal concentrations were determined by micro-dilution method.
Results: The results showed that the methanol extract of longus species presented the highest
zone of inhibition against tested pathogens (15 mm inhibition zone). Other plants did not
show significant inhibition zone. The methanol extracts of the plant against Pseudomonas
aeruginosa (PTTC 1707) strains showed the best activities, with the lowest minimal inhibitory
concentration of 3.125 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration was 166.50 and 83.25
mg/mL, respectively for Staphylococcus aureus (PTTC 1431) and Escherichia coli (PTTC 1399).
Conclusions: The results showed that the methanol extract of the herb has antibacterial activity
and therefore it could be used as a natural preservative ingredient in food and/or pharmaceutical
industries.

Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant effect of honey using two classical methods generally
used, and for the first time to test the effect of honey on the oxidation, chlorination and
nitration by purified equine myeloperoxidase (MPO).
Methods: The antioxidant activity of three Algerian honey samples (nectar honey, mixed honey
and honeydew honey) was evaluated by two classical methods, the ferric- reducing/antioxidant
power (FRAP) assay and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity.
Results: Honeydew honey had the highest reducing power and DPPH radical-scavenging
activity, whereas nectar honey showed the lowest reducing power and DPPH radical-scavenging
activity. All honey samples showed a significant inhibitory effect on the chlorination activity
of equine MPO, but honeydew honey was the weakest inhibitor. The three samples were poorly
inhibitor on the MPO oxidation and nitration activities, except for nectar honey that exerted
an inhibitory effect at the highest tested concentration of 10%. These later results seem to
contradict those obtained with DPPH and FRAP.
Conclusions: The antioxidant capacity of honey is mainly due to the phenolic compounds and
flavonoids it contained. It has been suggested that MPO might be involved in the antioxidant,
not pro-oxidant, activity of phenolic compounds.

Objective: To examine antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials of Cissus populnea (C.
populnea) root and Securidaca longipedunculata (S. longipedunculata) leaf and root extracts
using aqueous, ethanol and petroleum-ether media.
Methods: The free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl was used to measure scavenging
activities of extracts, while phenol and flavonoid contents were estimated by spectrophotometry
and the antibacterial screening of extracts was done using disc diffusion method. The extracts
were tested against five strains of Gram positive and negative bacteria. Minimum inhibitory
concentration of extracts in the screening assay was according to micro-broth dilution, and
minimum bactericidal concentration was carried out by agar diffusion method.
Results: The ethanol extract of the S. longipedunculata leaf recorded the highest [(83.00 ±
2.97) μg/mL] radical scavenging potential while the least value [(48.50 ± 2.55) μg/mL] was
recorded for C. populnea root ethanol extract. The highest phenol content was found in the
ethanol extract of C. populnea [(145.60 ± 0.85) mg gallic acid equivalent/g], while the least
value [(87.75 ± 3.46) mg gallic acid equivalent/g] was recorded in petroleum ether extract of
S. longipedunculata. The highest and lowest values [(81.30 ± 0.99) and (46.60 ± 1.98) mg
rutin equivalent/g] of flavonoid were recorded with ethanol extracts of S. longipedunculata leaf
and root, respectively. The aqueous and ethanol leaf and root extracts of S. longipedunculata
were active against the growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi. Similar results were observed with ethanol
and aqueous root extracts of C. populnea for the same bacteria.
Conclusions: All the crude plant extracts possessed strong antioxidant and antimicrobial
activities qualifying them as medicinal herbs that could be included in animal feed production.

In health sciences, much efforts had been made in past years to explore the radio-protective
agents from natural resources due to rapid exposure of radiations to environment such as space
traveling, radiotherapy and largely growing telecommunication industry. It becomes crucial
to find natural sources for radio-protection. In correspondence, dragon’s blood (DB) is a
traditional Chinese medicinal plant that possesses great medicinal values due to the presence
of several phenolic compounds. For a long time, DB has been used in treatment of blood
stasis, inflammation, oxidative stress, immune suppression and tumors, but recently it has
been extensively used as radio-protective agent. There is no comprehensive review on radio-
protective characterization of DB resin extract in literature. In our review, an attempt has been
made to highlight unique and inherent radio-protection in liver, brain, kidney, lung, spleen and
cerebrum. This review will help people in exploring the radioactive protectants from natural
resources.

Objective: To analyze the growth prediction results of crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus
Eschscholtz 1823) with two methods of length-weight relation (LWR) and artificial neural
networks (ANNs).
Methods: We examine the relationships between total length and total weight; carapace length
and total weight; carapace length and total length for Astacus leptodactylus caught from
Eğirdir Lake between 2013 and 2014. Length weight relation is used as a traditional method
and artificial neural networks as a new approach.
Results: The research is based on a sample of 222 crayfish [34% (75 individual) female, 66%
(147 individual) male]. The outcomes of the research can be summarized as follows: average
total length is 128.40 mm for female and 135.50 mm for male; average total weight is 59.79
g for female and 82.95 g for male crayfish. LWR equation was found to be W = 0.054 251 96
L2.73 for females, W = 0.052 721 02 L2.81 for males, and W = 0.035 898 89 L2.94 for the entire
sample, regardless of gender. The results acquired from ANNs and LWR are analyzed to those
obtained by the growth rate of crayfish caught from Eğirdir Lake.
Conclutions: LWR and ANNs mean absolute percentage error results were examined. ANNs
provide better results than the LWR. ANNs can be considered as an alternative for growth
estimation.

Objective: To examine the antioxidant and the antimicrobial activities of the marine seaweeds
Padina pavonica (P. pavonica) and Enteromorpha sp. from the Tunisian Mediterranean coast.
Methods: The acetone and water were used for algae extraction to envisage the antimicrobial
activity versus Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), Gram-positive
bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) and against four Candida. The
microdilution method was used to evaluate this activity. In vitro, total phenolic content and the
antioxidant activity including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and
2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) were also studied.
Results: The highest amount of phenolic compound was found in the P. pavonica acetonic
extract [(90.61 ± 0.11) mg catechin equivalent/g extract]. This brown algae sample
demonstrated greater DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging ability potential in comparison to
other green seaweed, Enteromorpha sp. The maximum antimicrobial activity was shown
by the P. pavonica acetonic extract against all the pathogenic strains tested (minimum
inhibitory concentrations = minimum inhibitory bactericidal = minimum inhibitory fungicidal
concentrations = 0.04 mg/mL). Those activities might be due to phenolic substances present in
this fraction.
Conclusions: The present results highlight the possible use of P. pavonica as source of
antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds.

Objective: To assess the impacts, mode of entry, trends, status, distribution and management
practices of Xanthium strumarium (X. strumarium) in Borena Zone of Oromia Region.
Methods: Four study districts and eight kebeles (peasant associations) were purposively
selected based on distribution level and data from agricultural offices. Then, randomly, eight
key informants were selected from each kebele. Data were collected using semi-structured
interview and analyzed using SPSS version 21.
Results: All respondents (100%) acknowledged that X. strumarium highly invaded the
study area and its spread was increasing both in time and space. According to respondents,
X. strumarium was introduced to the area mainly along with improved seed varieties, food
aid, flood, animals and vehicles, and easily dispersed by clinging to animal hides and human
clothing. In the past time, X. strumarium caused high level of damage on native biodiversity
and thus respondents worried that this might continue in the future. Similarly, respondents
(98.4%) stated that X. strumarium was out of control in the study area and they recommended
further investigation by concerned body to control the spread.
Conclusions: In conclusion, X. strumarium is spreading rapidly in the study area by threatening
native biodiversity and adversely affecting agroeconomy of the farmers and the country.
Therefore, it needs the effort of all concerned bodies to control the impacts.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of bacterial organisms from raw milk of cows in
Gwagwalada and determine their susceptibility to commonly used antimicrobial agents.
Methods: A total of 120 samples of milk were obtained from lactating cows that were at different
stages of postpartum from six different locations in Gwagwalada metropolis. Samples were
subjected to Microbact™ 24E system identification, isolation and characterization of isolates, and
antibiotics susceptibility test.
Results: The most prevalent organisms were Staphylococcus aureus (34.1%), Escherichia coli
(27.3%) and Bacillus species (18.2%) while the least isolated were Salmonella species (11.4%) and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.0%). The highest resistance patterns were shown by Staphylococcus
aureus which displayed resistance to five drugs: amoxicillin, ampiclox, levofloxacin, norfloxacin,
chloramphenicol and streptomycin. The least resistance was displayed by Bacillus species which
were resistant to only two drugs, norfloxacin and chloramphenicol. Pseudomonas aeroginosa
dissipated the highest pattern susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, gentamicin and
streptomycin while Salmonella species showed the lowest pattern of susceptibility to ciprofloxacin
only. Other microorganisms dissipated susceptibility patterns ranging from 16.6%–100.0%.
Conclusions: This study documented the occurrence of bacterial flora in raw milk of apparently
healthy lactating cows in the Gwagwalada area. The variation in patterns of multidrug resistance
and susceptibilities in our studies may lead to possibility of transfer of antibiotic resistance from
raw milk consumers. More studies are required using higher molecular techniques to expose
different species of microorganisms causing milk borne illness and their antibiotic resistant genes.

Nature is the source of the various raw chemicals in the form of oils, food supplement,
neutraceuticals, and colour pigments. A lot of presently existing drugs available in the market
mainly belong to the natural sources including the plants, animal, microorganism, minerals
and marine source. Flavonoids, benzo-c-pirone derivates are one of the main secondary
flavonoid liable for the different shades of flowers like orange, yellow and red color. More
than 4 000 flavonoids like flavanols, flavonols, isoflavones, flavanones, flavanonols and
flavones are found in the different edible plants which are also found in the regular human diet.
Flavonoids are present in vegetables, spices, tea, whole grains, fruits, wine, herbs and seeds.
Gossypin, a flavonol glucoside, is present in the flowers of different plants like Gossypium
indicum, Hibiscus esculentus and Hibiscus vitifolius and is one of the major chemical of plants
belonging to ‘Malvaceae’ family. In the present review, we have collected all the information
of gossypin and found that it has antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anticancer, anticataract,
antidiabetic, analgesic and hepatoprotective activities. It also protects against beta-amyloid
induced toxicity. The information provided in the present review will be beneficial to the
researchers of the various field of science for the development of better alternate for various
disorders. On the basis of the presented database of this review we can conclude that gossypin
has various beneficial effects and it could be used for the treatment of various disorders.